HBO’s 8-Part Crime Series Is A Weekend Binge You Won’t Regret

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Choosing something to binge-watch on the weekend can be tricky. You often start a series, get a few episodes in, and then realize it’s not really grabbing you. Then you’re stuck deciding whether to stop watching or keep going, hoping it gets better. This ‘binge regret’ is a real thing, and it can easily ruin a perfectly good weekend, just like a disappointing sports loss or bad weather.

Most TV shows released recently leave viewers with some level of “binge regret” – that feeling of wishing they’d paced themselves. However, a few stand out, like Shōgun, Rivals, Pluribus, and The Pitt. But being good isn’t enough; truly exceptional shows dominate the conversation and consistently appear on “best of the year” lists. A recent eight-episode series on HBO has achieved this rare status.

The Penguin Is One Of The Best TV Shows Of The Modern Era

It’s easy to think of The Penguin as just another superhero show, especially since there are so many already. And honestly, most people weren’t asking for a story about how Oswald Cobblepot became the Penguin. But surprisingly, the 2024 series went beyond typical superhero tropes and became one of the best TV shows of the year.

The new series The Penguin, set in the world of The Batman (though you don’t need to have seen the movie to enjoy it), showcases a fantastic performance from Colin Farrell as the notorious gangster. This version of the character, known as Oz Cobb, is a surprisingly complex and compelling villain, reminiscent of figures like Tony Soprano and Walter White. However, even with Farrell’s excellent work, the show has an even more impressive standout element.

Cristin Milioti delivers a standout performance as the chaotic Sofia Falcone, effectively becoming the primary antagonist even with Penguin’s own villainous tendencies. These exceptional performances, combined with well-developed characters and a strong storyline, elevate The Penguin beyond typical superhero spin-off expectations.

While The Penguin might not appeal to all viewers, it’s a compelling and mature crime drama set in Gotham City – definitely not suitable for children. However, if you enjoy crime shows, thrillers, or city-based dramas, you’re likely to enjoy this series, even without being a fan of superhero universes like Marvel or DC.

Is The Penguin Over? Will There Be A Season 2?

Image via Max

The Penguin has just one short season of eight episodes, making it a quick but gripping show to watch over a weekend. Viewers who finish it will likely want more, but it’s currently unclear if a second season is planned.

Colin Farrell is expected to reprise his role in The Batman Part II, though he may not be a main character. While The Penguin hasn’t been officially renewed for a second season, it hasn’t been cancelled either. Despite positive reviews, there’s no official announcement about season 2 yet, but the possibility still exists.

Matt Reeves, the director of The Batman, had previously said they’d started discussing a second season of The Penguin. While showrunner Lauren LeFranc expressed hope for a continuation in 2025, no progress had been made at that time. Actress Cristin Milioti shared a similar outlook in January 2026.

Right now, DC is primarily concentrating on The Batman Part II. Any plans for a future featuring The Penguin will happen afterward, and depend on how the character of Oz Cobb is positioned at the end of Matt Reeves’ sequel.

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2026-03-07 01:58